Meet the Century Body Crew
They say variety is the spice of life and that certainly describes our fabulous team of instructors. Believe it our not, each one was a Century Body student before becoming an instructor! They understand what it’s like to be a student so they work hard to keep things fun, lively and easy to follow. They infuse their unique personality and style into every class so no two classes are ever alike. Every instructor is trained in basic life support including Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and using an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). Each one currently holds or is working toward earning Group Fitness Instructor certification from the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) or the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
Read on to learn more about our team and what they love best about Century Body. We encourage you to try all of our instructors, classes and fitness formats — we promise you won’t be disappointed!
Jennifer Rubenkoenig
I’m the owner and lead Zumba® Fitness instructor at Century Body. I’ve been passionate about helping those interested in living a healthy lifestyle, spending — years as a health and wellness coach and 10 years as a Zumba® Fitness instructor. At Century Body, the goal is to live in our bodies until we are 100! Zumba® Fitness is my preferred form of cardio because it makes me feel free and happy — no matter how bad a day I might have. As soon as the music starts, I forget all my worries! As an instructor, I love seeing how students move differently to songs, how they make it their own, how they smile and laugh and sweat all at once. I can’t wait to meet you!
María López Schoenherr
I’d been part of the Century Body family for a year before becoming an instructor. I love, love, LOVE everything about Zumba® Fitness — the music, the language, the energy, the sweating! As an instructor, I love sharing the rhythms, movements, language and joy of my culture with the students. Zumba® Fitness is such a personal experience for me because I grew up listening and dancing to this music. It means so much to me to share my upbringing with others and doing it while staying fit is a bonus. I look forward to continue spreading the joy of Zumba® Fitness and maybe even teaching you some Spanish! Come and dance with me!
Deb Taylor
My Zumba® Fitness love story started in 2013 when I took my first Zumba® Fitness class at the urging of fellow instructor Bill Newton. I. Was. Hooked. I love everything about Zumba® Fitness -- the music, the moves, how it makes me feel, the fun and the people! No matter what kind of day I'm having, Zumba® Fitness always makes it better. The same goes for Century Body, a place where you are accepted for who you are no matter where you are in your fitness journey. Now as an instructor, I LOVE dancing with students. We feed off of each other’s energy. I love seeing everyone smiling and doing something that brings them so much joy. Come join the fun with me!
Tomoka Ichikawa
I’ve been part of the Century Body crew for 5 years. Zumba® Fitness captures everything I love — dance, music and passion. There’s something unifying about having fun on the dance floor and getting sweaty together. My main goals as an instructor is to see you happy. If that means putting together a high energy playlist that gets you jumping all across the dance floor, then so be it. Come and join the fun!
Charlie Boss
You know when you’re in the club and your song comes on and all you want to do is dance? That’s what a Zumba® Fitness class feels like. I fell in love with Zumba® Fitness when I came to Century Body as a student in 2013. As an instructor, I love looking across the dance floor to see a community of people who lose themselves in the music, their moves and Let. It. Go. And you know the party is especially rocking when everyone is hooting, hollering and shaking their biscuits. It’s the workout you didn’t see coming. Who’s in?
Suzanne Mets
I’ve worked at Century Body since January 2013. Like most of our staff, I started as a student before becoming an employee, first as a receptionist and eventually as an instructor. Any time I’m at the studio, I'm doing what I love —meeting and spending time with our students. I want every one who comes to our classes to not only have a great workout, but to enjoy the entire experience. I am an AFAA-certified group exercise instructor and have a martial arts background. I currently teach Zumba® Fitness’ newest format, STRONG Nation™. Come and get stronger with me!
Katie Hughes
Hello! I’ve been dancing practically all my life! After hanging my professional ballet shoes, I discovered Zumba® Fitness in 2006. The dancing, the music, the fitness – I was hooked after my first class! I wanted to share my passion with others so I became an instructor shortly afterwards. I joined Century Body in 2014 where we don’t just sweat together – we are family. I want to make sure each and every student feels loved, supported and motivated to be the best version of themselves. As a dancer, I understand that core strength and stretching is important, so I’m also a Pilates instructor. I’m also part of the STRONG Nation™ squad where I love watching students transform and grow. It’s an amazing thing to behold, students who start from “I don’t think so” to “Yes, yes I can.”! I hope to see you soon in the dance floor!
Sandra Palmer
I’ve had an amazing time at Century Body since I joined in 2015. I remember falling in love with Zumba® Fitness in my first class when I fully forgot I was working out as I was swept away in the music, dancing, and fun. I quickly learned that Zumba® Fitness at Century Body was more than an exciting workout — it’s a community of people who care about each other and share their lives while pursuing health and wellness. In fall of 2017, I took the next step by becoming a licensed Zumba® Fitness instructor and was delighted to join the Century Body crew in the summer of 2018. I couldn’t be more grateful to have found this fantastic fitness community. Hope to see you at Century Body soon!
Sigi Buckner
I’ve been part of the Century Body family since 2010, first as a student then as a Zumba® Kids instructor in 2012. I moved onto grown ups shortly afterwards. There’s so much to love about Zumba® Fitness — the music, the moves, the smiles, the sweat you don’t notice until after the workout is over. But as an instructor, I love watching students grow, especially when they started their first class in the back and then find themselves letting loose and joining me closer to the font. Won’t you come dance with me?
Mariel Alatalo
Hi everyone! I’ve always loved dancing – as a kid, as a high school cheerleader and as a member of the dance team/pompom squad in college. I took my first Zumba® Fitness class in 2008 and fell in love. You can get lost in the music and forget about all your worries and stress! I became an instructor in 2011 and joined Century Body three years later, where you’ll typically find me dancing with the 9:30 a.m. crew. I’m also part of the STRONG Nation™ squad, where I promise you’ll finish your class with a great feeling of accomplishment. Since strength and endurance are great complements of a good workout, I love assisting Jenn by leading a couple small group-training sessions. Hope to see you soon!
Melinda Moore
I love how we’re one big family at Century Body. And you know what they say, the family that does Strong by Zumba® together, stays together! I love STRONG Nation™ because it’s challenging and there’s an incredible sense of accomplishment you feel after each class. Come join me and the STRONG crew to find out! We'll get your heart pumping!
Caitlin O’Connell
I was a cyclist looking for something to do during the winter months when I found Century Body and STRONG by Zumba® in 2017. I quickly became a “STRONGaholic” thanks to the great team of instructors and the camaraderie among fellow STRONGaholics during each class. I love how stronger and more fit I felt after each workout. I love how the music guides and energizes each move. As an instructor, I love sharing my love of STRONG Nation™ with others and watching students get stronger after each class. I love encouraging them to try something new or push a little harder. Hopefully I’ll see you on the SBZ floor soon!